Sisterchicks Do the Hula Read Free Page A

maple leaves is strung over the fireplace.”
    “You’ve got it,” I said. “The guys are watching football and …” I paused and then decided to see if Laurie could decode my secret message. “The-turkey-is-in-the-oven.”
    “Are you saying that …?”
    “Yep.”
    “Hope!”
    “I couldn’t wait for my doctor’s appointment on Monday. Itook a home test this morning, and it’s about as positive as it could be.”
    “Hope!”
    “I know. Is this insane or what?”
    “It’s wonderful. Really. Congratulations! Gabe, Hope is pregnant!”
    Gabe’s voice echoed in the background on Laurie’s cell phone. I could picture the two of them in their cashmere sweaters, settled in the leather seats of Gabe’s Jaguar, roaring down the freeway headed for their oldest daughter’s apartment.
    “What did Gabe just say?”
    “He said you’re trying to make our trip more of an adventure by bringing a little extra baggage.”
    “Darren and I are still in shock.”
    “Have you told the boys yet?” Laurie asked.
    “No, we’re trying to decide if we should tell them at dinner or wait until later.”
    “Oh, tell them at dinner. It will make for a Thanksgiving memory like no other.”
    “I suppose you’re right.”
    “How are you feeling, Hope?”
    “Great. And listen, Darren and I already talked about it, and this does not change the plans for January. You and I are still going to Hawai’i.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yes, very sure. If my calculations are correct, I’ll only be into my fourth month in January. No one will even know I’mpregnant. I’ll probably just look chubby.”
    “Oh, right. That’s doubtful. With your long torso, you’ve always managed to hide any extra pounds that came along. You probably won’t even be showing by then.”
    I stood to the side and smoothed my knit top over my midriff, trying to evaluate my shape in the oven door’s reflection. Was it my imagination, or did I show a little already?
    “Hope, listen, if you start to get morning sickness, or you’re too uncomfortable, or concerned about the baby for any reason, we’ll postpone the trip for another time.”
    “When? Our fiftieth birthdays? No, this is definitely the time for us to go. After this little pumpkin shows up, I have a feeling I won’t be going anywhere for a long time.”
    “Okay,” Laurie said. “But remember, I’m open to adjustments, if necessary. Let me know how it goes when you tell the boys.”
    That afternoon, when our family gathered around the dining room table, Darren prayed, thanking God for all He had given us over the years. After the hearty “amens,” I lifted my head and noticed the exquisite way the autumn sunshine came pouring through the window, infusing the whole room with an amber glow. Glittering dust particles, caught up in a silent dance, swirled above the wooden floor. Every brass picture frame on the mantle sparkled. I couldn’t have asked for a more golden moment to make the glad announcement to our sons.
    I glanced at Darren. He gave me a wink and a nod, and I proclaimed that I was thankful for the baby, the baby that wasgrowing inside me, the baby that would, Lord willing, be with us at this table next Thanksgiving.
    The boys put down their forks and stared. Our sixteen-year-old blurted out, “Mom, you’re kidding, right?”
    “No, I’m not kidding. We’re going to have a baby.”
    “Why? I mean … you guys! What were you thinking?”
    Darren and I looked at each other.
    “Man, this is kind of embarrassing for us, you know.”
    “Wait a minute,” Darren said firmly. “We’re a family here. We’re in this together. Your mother and I are very happy about the baby, and you boys should be, too.”
    They didn’t look convinced so Darren leaned forward and said, “Every child is a gift from God. It’s not up to any of us to choose when we come into this world or when we go out. Your number one objective is to support your mother in this. Got it? Come on, I’m